The actual process of removing everything from the fridge and wiping it out really only takes about 2-5 minutes. However, our fridge needed to be organized so badly, that I tossed that extra task in there today as well.

Late last summer our fridge decided to stop being functional, and knowing we had an upcoming kitchen project in the wings, we decided to upgrade to a stainless steel side-by-side version. When we brought home the upgraded appliance, I was more excited about the idea of having a new organizing project to tackle than I was about the new fridge itself. So what the heck happened?

I don't know what my excuse is; it turned into one of those, "I will get to it next week" projects that over six months later still had never happened. Until today that is!

We try to keep the majority of our diet to fresh foods, so we head to the grocery store at least once per week. Typically we are good about cleaning out leftovers and old food and taking a quick inventory of what we already have prior to heading out the door. This also helps us with our weekly meal planning process. It is what happens to the food when we return home that is the problem. Above you will see an example of the fridge as it was this morning, two days after a trip to the grocery store. My hubby put the groceries away, and although I personally know of the shelf/bin system that I had created inside my head and in the fridge, my family does not. They play the guessing game and just put things where they will fit, vs. categorizing them to where they make the most sense. Also, I am the stickler about washing the fruit and de-packaging the items, my hubby, not so much. My goal is to get us all back on the same page.

So, I started by taking everything out of the fridge. The shelves get dirty and they needed a good cleaning.

As I removed things from the fridge, I placed them on our counter in general categories.

I quickly wrote down the categories and tossed the food into a couple of laundry baskets in our garage until I could get everything organized back in our fridge. I guess there really is a benefit to the cold Wisconsin weather!

Using a water/vinegar combination {food safe}, I quickly wiped down the top and bottom of each shelf as well as the insides of each drawer and bin.

I also removed the drawers and wiped down the floor of the fridge along with all of the interior walls.

Once the interior of the fridge was looking sparkly and new again, I began to strategically place everything back in by category.

The top shelf is now dedicated to leftovers, sides and containers of fresh fruit.

All of our beverages take up the next shelf.

We love having a lunch kit and recently added a bin for our breakfast items as well. Although, our lunch basket has not been making the most of our vertical space ever since we upgraded the fridge. For years now I have loved using the multi-purpose bins from the Container Store in our freezer, so I have been adding them to our fridge as well. We initially looked at picking up a few of those fabulous Fridge Binz, however, when we compared the price along with the size/height, the multi-purpose bins won with us big time. They work especially well in the side-by-side, in which each shelf is taller and more narrow.

To ensure there is no more confusion regarding the items that belong in each bin, they each received an adhesive bookplate label holder and label.

Trying to be better about the types of snacks I grab for in a hurry or even while sitting at my desk, I put together a few jars filled with fresh fruit.

Because we typically eat yogurt for breakfast, those two bins were paired together on their own shelf, along with our bottles of juice which typically accompany our breakfast as well.

While cleaning out the drawers it occurred to me that one was much smaller than the other. When placing items back, the produce was put into the larger drawer, while our meats and cheeses were placed in the smaller of the two.

To keep it easy to grab a quick apple, I added a separate basket to the drawer to hold them and prevent them from rolling around.

The bins in the doors are perfect for corralling all of those "other" jars and condiments that typically clutter up the shelves of the fridge.

I did dressings/sauces in one, milk in one {I know some say not to store your milk in the door but we have been doing this for years and between the glass keeping it super cold and the fact we drink so much so fast, it really doesn't have a chance to go bad}, smaller jars for jelly, salsas and pickles in one and the bottom holds tall bottles of water and wine.

So although the cleaning process could have taken me 5 minutes, I opted to take it a step further and spend about 30 minutes on the entire project. We already had the bins and baskets, so it came down to just putting everything away and adding a few labels.

My fingers are crossed that this will stick because I totally love having a clean and organized fridge and it gave me that super excited feeling I was hoping for! Now... don't ask to see our freezer yet... that has been much more neglected....

I got a new fridge at Christmas. I read on one of the blogs about putting inexpensive place mats on the shelves and it was the best thing I ever did. My fridge stays clean and all I have to do is clean the place mats. If it gets too bad, I throw them away.

Jen, you have given me a kick in the butt. LOL Today I cleaned the dishwasher and washing machine. And as corroded as the fabric softener dispenser gets from my Downy, I am seriously considering making my own. I have some fridge binz that I found 1/2 off at Home Goods recently. Hopefully they will work (I have the french door version). My family is not on the same page either with certain foods on certain shelves and just shoving things.

I too am totally obsessed with the milk jugs! Especially since the hubby and I drink different kinds of milk. I am an almond milk girl and hubby drinks organic whole milk. Every time I see any of your fridge posts I swoon. Thanks for your amazing post. I am in love with your blog :)

Oh my gosh..fantastic! I didn't even know they made these bins, and I definitely didn't think of container organizing my fridge. This is going to save me MAJOR time in the morning. I make lunches and snack for all four of my kids plus the hubby every day and never thought to group those lunch making items items together, YAY!

I love the ideas. I really like the idea to use Ball jars. I never thought to use them. Everything in my fridge has a home, but these containers are awesome! I'll definitely be checking them out! :Dlovendlaughter.blogspot.com

What about cleaning the exterior of the frig? Can you please share what you have found works the best cleaning stainless steel appliances? Did you have to use a store bought cleaner, or do any of your homemade natural cleaners work well?

Oh my gosh!!! This is the most beautiful fridge I have ever seen. I LOVE IT!!!!! As a matter of fact, I love everything that you do. Not only is it organized but it is pretty. You are amazing and a real inspiration. Can't wait to try some of today's ideas. BTW, I made homemade laundry detergent yesterday & am so happy with it :-). These cleaning posts are incredible & extremely helpful!

We just did a major cleaning/organizing of our fridge this week too ! I always wash veggies and fruit right away too, I cut my carrots and cery right away. What type if containers do you store fruit and veggies in? Mine have been getting condensation inside of them the last few weeks. Looking for new storage. Thanks!

Those bins look perfect for organizing my fridge. Thanks for the great idea! Do you have an idea which size yours are? There are multiple sizes on their site. Also, it looks like they are on sale right now - woo hoo!

Oh my goodness! My family and I have recently made the switch to eating healthier and it has been an absolute unorganized nightmare trying to cram all our newly-appreciated fruits and veggies into our tiny fridge. I've been scouring the internet for organizing ideas and this was the perfect bit of inspiration I needed! I never thought of putting bins like that in the fridge before--thanks for the bit of brilliance!

This is the first time I have done the individual fruit jars, but I have been eating from them all weekend and just had one for my afternoon snack and so far, all of the fruit has remained fresh. :) xo!

This may look like good organization, but in fact there are certain places for food in the fridge according to the need of coolness. And fresh produce will go bad faster, if washed and put in the fridge

Thanks Emina! I have read that about washing fruit as well, although, I have been doing it for years to promote quick and healthy snacking for our boys {they are much more apt to go for fruit if they see it all clean and ready for them to grab}. We shop for produce at least once per week and haven't had issues with it going bad before we get a chance to eat it, but absolutely something to take note of. xo!

I would have to find the book that came with my fridge. I'm thinking the meat drawer and the veggie drawer may not be interchangeable in mine. Something about the amount of cold air circulation and humidity levels? But my fridge is quite old so maybe that is no longer a concern. Yours certainly looks great!

I have seen refrigerators that specify which drawer is for what, but ours didn't do that so I was hoping they were interchangeable as we use more produce than meat. If I notice a change in freshness, I can always swap them back out. Prior there were times that both drawers were being used for both purposes and we didn't have any issues, but food doesn't last very long here either as I have three growing boys to feed ;) xoxo!

Awesome job Jen! I LOVE organizing too and those little things just make you so darn happy! I put vinyl shelf liner, red/white picnic pattern, in my fridge, gives it a pop of color and happiness when I open the door. Just curious as to why you transfer your milk into a glass container....

It started years ago when I purchased organic milk in glass jugs and loved that I could leave the milk on the table at breakfast and dinner and the glass would keep it nice and cold. I have been transferring ever since. :)

IN LOVE WITH YOUR FRIDGE!!! Now, if I could just find a way to persuade the rest of my family that we could use a fridge clean-up and re-organization... Any tips on how to organize fridges that have to be arranged vertically instead of horizontally (i.e: you're looking down at the groceries instead of it being at eye level)? No idea how to describe it but... :/

Jennifer, you truly inspire me with all you do. I know this doesn't apply to this post, but where did you get the clear drawers that you show in your post on "Setting yourself up for Success" ? I think they were under your kitchen sink? Thanks for all you do.

I started out saying, ok she's kinda weird to organize her fridge so much, but by the end I was sighing and wishing you'd come over to my house and organize MY fridge. We have a French door fridge with bottom freezer - the first time we've ever actually bought a fridge versus inheriting whatever was left behind by a previous owner. And it seems like I have less room that I did before! I'd love a roundup on different fridge types and how to organize and maximize ech space. But maybe that would be too much!

Did you know you can buy plastic storage lids for your mason jars? I discovered them at Walmart and went nuts and bought a few boxes. I love storing dry goods, baking items, rices, etc. in jars and these lids are no hassle at all! Just thought I would drop a line about a useful item :) P.S. others are better at utilizing the mason jars when the lid is one piece. Dishwasher safe too.

Generally, pre-washing your produce makes it go bad faster. I'd advise against keeping your meats and cheese together as there's a high risk there - you're going to cook your meat but likely not the cheese. Also, milk jugs are opaque of cardboard to prevent light from getting through and breaking down the vitamin D - make sure your kids are getting it from another source since they aren't getting it from the milk now!Sorry, couldn't help it - I'm a nutrition student.

Don't be sorry, I am always learning and love hearing from readers. :) Thank you for sharing your feedback!

We have always, always stored meats and cheeses together. How does the interior of the meat package contaminate the interior of the cheese packages? Maybe I will add a divider to the drawer...

As far as the milk, from what I have read it starts to lose vitamin value after 12-14 hrs of straight light, which our milk would not be exposed to. We switched from the organic glass jars to the cartons from the grocery store, so fingers crossed we are OK, but we do also take vitamin D because we don't see a lot of light in Wisconsin during the winter months either. :)

Giving the fridge a thorough clean and re-organising has been on my to-do list for the longest time, but somehow it is my least favourite kitchen chore. I have it scheduled for next Tuesday, though… I think I'll come back to this post again for re-inspiration before I tackle it! Also love your idea of pre-prepared fruit jars. You could also drizzle some yoghurt and granola in there for a great breakfast-to-go!

We have been using them in our freezer's for years and love them. I will be sure to post about the freezer before the month is over, but they essential work in the same fashion as you see here in the fridge.

Hi Kim! As I mentioned in the post, I store the leftovers on the top shelf. However, we rarely have too many leftovers {family of five = very little remaining food at the end of a meal}. Plus, we do a lot of meal planning and shop at least once per week, so we don't have an abundance of extra food to be stored in our fridge.

LOVE this and very very very jealous. THIS is exactly how I dream about my fridge looking! haha. I don't have a side by side fridge, but I'm liking the idea of using bins/organizers to wrangle up certain things that really don't have a place (like breads and wraps).

This is the first time I have done the individual fruit jars, but I have been eating from them all weekend and just had one for my afternoon snack and so far, all of the fruit has remained fresh. :) xo!

Jen, you have made my day. I hate having to throw stuff out because they get stuck at the back of the fridge and go off because we forget about them. I was only whining about that a few days ago. Then I get up this morning and see your fridge and it was like being hit in the head. Why didn't I think of this myself? My cupboards are filled with crates and boxes for organizing. Why have I never thought of doing the same for the fridge. I know what I will be doing this week.

Wow, what a nice post!My mother NEEDS to see it; she is master in refrigerator-mess, lol. And every morning is the same sacrifice: she spends some good time looking forward the breakfast stuff inside the fridge.

I love it! I might have to go buy some bins we have a side by side and I can't find a way I like it organized. Yours looks great! Plus I love the idea for the fruit! I would much rather grab it and go in a jar!

I love how your fridge looks all organized. I have a bottom freezer fridge and the top seems like I have less space than I did with a top freezer. I wanted a bottom freezer because as I get older it is easier to get to things in the bottom of the fridge when it is waist high versus getting in the bottom of the fridge. I have 3 drawers in mine and am not sure how to organize the other 2 shelves. The freezer is a nightmare since it is one big basket and one little shelf. I would love to see a freezer organization post. I have an upright, which I don't think holds as much as a chest but I hate standing on my head to get to the bottom of my freezer.

I will definitely be sharing how we organize our freezer, however, I haven't had to work with a drawer so I can't personally speak to those. Here is a post that may help you out: http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/2013/08/i-heart-my-fridge.html

I just want to say that I am LOVING your daily cleaning posts. I am always so impatient to see what you will post next! I am trying to put together a cleaning supply like yours. Where do I find the washing soda, borax and the stuff you use to make laundry detergent? I was in Target today looking for those items with no luck. Thanks Jen! Keep up the beautiful work!

You are an inspiration. I will be tackling my fridge in similar fashion as well. Can you tell me where you got your pitchers for milk? They look amazing. Trying to eliminate plastic from every food storage situation and love your idea. Do you have a smaller pitcher for kids to use by themselves (just curious)?

I'm just curious - do you not use the fridge coasters anymore? I had some knock off ones but found that mine scooted around the fridge in the bigger drawers and shelf areas that I finally got so annoyed I tossed them. Just wondering if you still use yours since I didn't see them make an appearance on the clean out.

I sue plastic place mats as well. I got mine from Target last summer. They have lemons and oranges and look so fresh and clean in the refrigerator. I got the more expensive ones and I believe it took 6 mats to cover all the main shelves, bins and shelves on the doors. Everyone who opens our frig always remarks about how pretty it looks. :) That's always a bonus! I'm gonna go clean out my frig right now. Thank you for the inspiration, Jen. xo

Love this post!! Having an organised fridge is such a small thing, but it really does go a long way to making you feel 'completely' organised. Love the bins idea too - will have to look out for them in the UK. Happy Monday!! xox

Do you think that the fruit stays good when you place it into mason jars?? I have been trying to figure out a better way to cut up strawberries and grapes to store rather than keeping them in what they come in. I just haven't found anything I like yet!!Thanks!

Your plan for the months is really impressive. I always do the same thing but my plans are definitely shorter than yours. Maybe I have missed something. I am going to check!)) I should d that your refrigerator is in a perfect order.

I luv, luv, luv this series. I need all the help I can get. If I can find similar glass jars for my milk, I am going to try it. My DH and I do not go through milk as fast as you do. Do you have any tips on how i can record the expiration date on the jars (other than making a label each time I restock)?

I have an issue with hard water stains in the black tray under the ice and water dispenser on my fridge (along with the walls inside). Hot vinegar soak helps, as does paste wax, but it's a constant issue, even with diligent wiping.

Love the open bins in the produce drawer! The openness will keep the air circulating while still allow you to see what's in them and would be handy for keeping salad veggies together and steaming veggies together.

Hi Jen! I think you are a genius for coming up with the vertical bins for storage, I have been using various bins with mixed success, but I think vertical ones are the answer! I have a question on the milk jugs-- how heavy are they? Can the kids get their own milk? My kids get their own milk from the fridge, and I would hate it if they dropped one of the glass jugs due to it being too heavy. Though I like the idea of having the milk on the table during breakfasts. On the fruit: I second the opinion that berries don't last long after washing. I wash a big plate in the morning, then put the uneaten berries in the fridge to snack on during the day. I also keep a basket with pre-washed fruit on the counter for easy snacking and lunches. Here is a link to how I incorporate fresh produce in our daily eating if you were interested http://milasmilieu.com/2014/02/06/baby-steps-to-eating-healthier/Thanks so much for your clever organization solutions!

The milk containers can get pretty heavy when full of milk. My youngest is 7 and does OK with them, but I would think that younger kids would probably struggle a bit with the size/weight, especially if they were stored higher in the fridge.

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